ICC and Ukraine – A New Chapter in Global Justice
- vidyarthee2021
- Jul 22
- 2 min read
Ukraine has officially become the 125th State Party to the Rome Statute, joining the International Criminal Court (ICC)—a major development in international justice and war accountability.
What is the ICC?
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is the first permanent international court with jurisdiction to try individuals, not states, for the gravest crimes under international law.
It deals with:
Genocide
War crimes
Crimes against humanity
Crime of aggression
Background
Established by the Rome Statute, adopted in 1998 and came into force in 2002.
Headquartered at The Hague, Netherlands.
As of now, 125 countries are parties to the Rome Statute.
India is not a member of the ICC and has concerns over sovereignty and jurisdiction.
UPSC-Relevant Points
International Institutions: Important under GS2.
Global Governance & Sovereignty: India's stance on ICC reflects its strategic and legal concerns about external judicial overreach.
Contemporary Affairs: ICC’s role in prosecuting war crimes in conflicts (e.g., Ukraine-Russia) makes it geopolitically significant.
UPSC Prelims MCQ
Q. With reference to the International Criminal Court (ICC), consider the following statements:
The ICC is a judicial body under the United Nations Charter.
India is not a party to the Rome Statute.
The headquarters of ICC is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 2 and 3 only
Answer: B. 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: The ICC is independent of the UN system, although it may collaborate with the UN.
Statement 2 is correct: India has not signed the Rome Statute.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The ICC is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, not Geneva.
UPSC Mains Question (GS2 – International Relations)
Q. Examine the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in enforcing global justice. Critically analyse India’s position on joining the ICC in light of recent international developments.
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